A wealthy New York multimillionaire (Terry Savalas) hires detective Sam Morgan after the disappearance of his daughter Barbara Hallen, a successful model who had moved to Paris. The clues followed by the capable inspector lead to a cosmetic surgery clinic run by Dr. Flamand and his wife (Brigitte Lahaie) on the outskirts of Paris, where strange characters reside whose job is to kidnap attractive young women, who are then segregated in underground cells in order to rejuvenate the skin of the clinic's clients.
Violentatori della Notte (Violators of the Night) is one of the most polished and extroverted films by Spanish director Jess Franco (Jesus Franco), too often considered the king of European trash cinema.
Despite its title, which is perhaps a little too explicit and certainly misleading (almost rape & revenge), this film presents itself as a ’medical horror“ with strong splatter connotations and erotic overtones, well emphasized by the provocative presence of Brigitte Lahaie, a former French porn star much loved by the genre (Jean Rollin above all) and in great shape. The film also features, albeit in a supporting role, the familiar face of Terry Savalas (who can forget Inspector Kojak? Ed.), looking tired and decidedly out of place.
I Violentatori della Notte is a “different” film, with a unique plot that stands apart from the countless other films of the same period. It keeps viewers glued to their seats thanks to an endless stream of splatter and gore effects (the operation performed on the beautiful actress's face sets a precedent) and Franco's natural ability to introduce new characters at just the right moment as events unfold.
If that's not enough for you, you can always enjoy the numerous sexy scenes so dear to the Madrid-born director.
A must-have.
Review of Cerberus
